Blogs

Some of my earliest memories are of me and my brother and sister, my dad and my dog walking for what felt like hours on end along the canals of Birmingham on a hot summer’s day.

As we seek nominations for our annual walkable neighbourhood awards, we asked the transport specialist behind the Mayor of London’s Healthy Streets transport strategy to share her 10 indicators of healthy streets.

GP surgeries in Shetland are prescribing nature-based activities for patients with conditions ranging from high blood pressure to depression. But we don’t need a doctor’s prescription to start enjoying the wellbeing benefits of nature, says Phil Pickin.

"Walking and nature had done so much for my mental health, I knew I needed to do more. I thought if I did a big walk, it might inspire others to recognise the positive effects of exercise and the open air."

As the government publishes its first national strategy on loneliness, at the Ramblers we’re spreading the word about how walking can help people overcome social isolation and improve their emotional, mental and physical wellbeing.

Edinburgh Young Walkers member Andrea Tomečková shares her story about the positive impact walking has had on her life.

As we launch new research into walking in parks and green spaces, Jane Wilcock, Ramblers member and Chair of Longsight Park Friends Group, Bolton, writes about the way in which they've made Longsight Park more accessible for everyone.

For those of us who enjoy the countryside, it will come as no surprise that increasing numbers of people have acknowledged a direct link between access to nature and good mental health.

Our Policy & Advocacy Support Officer Robyn Stephens takes a look at what implications there are for the nation's health and wellbeing from the 25 Year Plan for the environment.

As we celebrate the announcement that Natural England has started work on all stretches of the England Coast Path, Ruth reflects on how a good walk by the sea helped her and her husband through a traumatic experience.